Iceland take a giant step

Iceland can still secure automatic qualification for the 2005 UEFA Women's Championship after a comfortable win against Hungary guaranteed at least a play-off place.

France chance
The victory moved Iceland to within two points of Group 3 leaders France. However, France - holding a 100 per cent record - will move out of Iceland's reach with three points in Reykjavik on Wednesday.

Play-off place
Still, Iceland knew that a triumph in Szekesfehervar would take them on to 13 points and ensure that they would at worst end up as one of the two best third-placed teams from among the four championship groups entering the play-offs. And they made a good start when Margret Vidarsdottir gave them a 12th-minute lead.

Færseth hat-trick
Eight minutes into the second half, Andrea Færseth doubled the advantage and scored again on the hour. Two minutes later Vidarsdottir claimed her second goal but 20 minutes from time Færseth won the race to a hat-trick.

Hungary hope
Hungary are two points ahead of bottom side Poland with each side having one game left on 3 October. To avoid having to play-off to preserve their status, Hungary avoid defeat in Russia or hope Poland fail to beat France.

Duo eliminated
Today's result also means that Group 2 contenders Spain and the Netherlands can no longer qualify, although they have both ensured they will not be relegated.